Penguins Finish High in NCAA, Valley Football Statistic Rankings

With the conclusion of the 2012 FCS season on Saturday, the Penguins once again ranked highly among FCS teams in many categories in the NCAA and Missouri Valley Football Conference final statistics.

In the NCAA categories, YSU was third in tackles for loss allowed, third in third-down conversion percentage, fourth in fewest penalties per game, fifth in first-downs defense and rushing defense, seventh in sacks allowed, eighth in time of possession, ninth in fewest yards penalized, 11th in total defense and 14th in fewest turnovers.

The Penguins set a new school record for fewest sacks allowed in a season while the their third-down conversion percentage (51.90) tied the school mark. YSU ranked 11th in total defense, its best performance on the national stage since 1997.

Senior tailback Jamaine Cook ranked 15th nationally in rushing yards per game average, 18th in scoring and was 30th in all-purpose yardage. Junior quarterback Kurt Hess was 30th in the FCS in pass efficiency.

In the Missouri Valley Football Conference, YSU was first in third-down conversions, first in fewest sacks allowed, first in fewest penalties, second in time of possession, second in rushing defense, second in total offense, second in rushing defense, second in opponent first downs, third in first downs, third in passing efficiency, fourth in total defense, fourth in scoring offense and fourth in passing offense.

Cook was second in scoring per game, third in rushing average and fourth in all-purpose yards, while Hess was third in passing yards per game average, total offense and pass efficiency.